PRESS RELEASE FROM ALISTAIR STRATHERN MP
THURSDAY 9th JANUARY 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alistair Strathern, MP for the Hitchin constituency, continued his campaigning on behalf of households on unadopted estates in Parliament this week. He joined forces with Labour colleagues to grill the Managing Director of estate management company FirstPort on the experiences of constituents living on estates managed by FirstPort.
During the meeting in Parliament, Mr Strathern put to FirstPort’s Managing Director Martin King the countless shocking stories constituents had reported to his office, including residents of Redwing Croft estate in Lower Stondon and Campton Fields in Shefford. Common complaints included sky-high management fees in return for next to no estate maintenance or service at all, and radio silence when contacting the company to complain directly.
FirstPort is one of the UK’s biggest estate management companies. They manage private estates across the country, with many in Strathern’s Hitchin constituency. These estates are not adopted by the local council, meaning residents often pay eye-watering management fees to private companies for maintenance of communal areas, on top of their council tax. Very often, residents receive no grass-cutting, vegetation-management, road-maintenance or any upkeep for their hundreds, or thousands, of pounds.
Strathern has been campaigning on this issue since he became an MP in 2023. He lobbied hard to secure commitment to reform and regulate management companies in the Labour election manifesto, as well as a commitment to end ‘Fleecehold’ arising from unadopted estates once and for all. He has continued to push for action since the election, with the Housing Minster Mathew Pennycook reaffirming the Government’s commitment to action in a statement in November.
Alistair Strathern MP said: “Far too many families on unadopted estates locally are being exploited by unscrupulous management companies, and FirstPort have been a regular offender.
“That’s why I joined forces with Labour colleagues to summon FirstPort management and highlight the unacceptable experience of residents on their estates. I want to thank everyone who has written to me to share your stories.
“Stories of sky high bills, essentially for nothing in return, could not be clearer in demonstrating the need for change.
“I am glad the Government will be progressing legislation to tackle this issue, and I look forward to scrutinising it when it is published.”
Notes to editors
You can see attached of Strathern speaking at the meeting.
You can see a Comet column from Strathern on this issue, from January 2024, here.
Mr Strathern’s office has supported over 100 private-estate residents through their difficult housing situation.
The Housing Minister’s statement can be found here Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament
Comments